Duval opener's ton lifts North West to first win at titles

By
Samantha Newsam

DUVAL’S Michael Dawson led the way as North West picked up its first win of the State CHS Boys’ Cricket Carnival at Penrith yesterday.

DUVAL’S Michael Dawson led the way as North West picked up its first win of the State CHS Boys’ Cricket Carnival at Penrith yesterday.

Dawson batted superbly and, on the back of his bat, North West made 2-176 in reply to Hunter’s 6-154.

He carried his bat and finished unbeaten on 100.

“He batted well,” manager Kel Walls said.

“He didn’t give a chance and hit the ball with a lot of power and placement.”

North West’s top order had failed to fire in its previous two games but they did the job yesterday.

Dawson and Inverell High’s Tom Lavender gave them a great start, putting on 76 for the first wicket.

Lavender scored 41 of those. School-mate Sage Cook then came in and added 19 before Dawson and skipper James Psarakis (5no) polished off the remaining runs.

“It’s good to get a win under our belts,” Walls said.

“The boys played a lot better.”

“They’ve been improving every game.

“We had a very ordinary start but we were better yesterday (Tuesday) and a hell of a lot better today.”

Dawson has been one of their best performers so far, with his ton following a solid 32 – their second top score – the day before.

He’s also been among the wickets and was again yesterday, claiming 1-11.

The spinners though took most of the spoils, with Psarakis (Tamworth High) nabbing 2-32 and Scott Brennan (Armidale High) 1-26 with their off-spinners and Jake Brayshaw (Narrabri High) 1-52 bowling his left-arm chinamen.

“All three spinners bowled well,” Walls said.

“Jake was a little bit more expensive. But he got thumped by their big bat.”

Farrer’s Harrison George chimed in with the other wicket.

For the third day they had to play on a synthetic pitch due to the wet conditions but Walls was hopeful with brighter skies again today they might finally be able to get onto the turf.